Klingon ranks

The rank system of the Klingon Defense Force bears some resemblance to various Earth ranking systems. A ceremonial sash of varying design and material is worn by commanding Klingon warriors to show rank and status in society. The sash can be made of many materials, most commonly of gold thread or silver metal, such as those worn by Worf and Martok. On the upper section of the sash is an emblem of their House affiliation and various other decorations.

This rank system combines army ranks (general, brigadier, colonel and possibly captain and lieutenant) with navy terminology (ship captains, commanders, and lieutenants). It was never mentioned if the Klingon Defense Force was a combined service (with colonel being equivalent to ship captain), or if their rank name terminology simply translates oddly compared to Earth systems.